Written answers

Wednesday, 9 March 2022

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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104. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the efforts to promote careers in the Defence Forces particularly among school leavers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13360/22]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The military authorities have advised that advertising for recruitment campaigns is placed across all major social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Tiktok); radio stations, along with Spotify/Acast adverts being placed on digital radio. Adverts will also be placed on popular webpages.

In addition to proactively engaging with ‘gatekeepers’, by participating in relevant events such as career guidance counsellor conferences, the Defence Forces continue to be engaged in providing career talks within schools, regularly participating in virtual career talks through career guidance websites and holding regular 'Question and Answer' sessions on social media channels with the desired demographic.

Gender-balanced recruitment teams attend TY events and other recruitment/job fairs where newly updated recruitment information booklets, leaflets and merchandise are available.

The Defence Forces remain committed to promoting careers within the organisation and so optimising the number of personnel inducted. In 2022 this will entail General Service Recruits, Cadets, Air Corps Apprentice Aircraft Technicians and specialists for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service being targeted.

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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105. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the need to ensure the Defence Forces has the capability to patrol Irish territorial waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13361/22]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.

The Naval Service, as the State's principal sea-going agency, is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. While the main day to day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union, it also carries out a number of other non-fishery related tasks in tandem with maritime surveillance. As such any Naval Service patrol should be viewed as a multi-faceted activity. The Naval Service carry out a significant security role. By its nature, often that security role goes unrecognised or unacknowledged but it is vital to Ireland's national priorities and interests. In terms of fishery protection, the Naval Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the EEZ.

The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of the EEZ using two CASA 235 maritime patrol aircraft. These aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment which offers aerial assistance to the Naval Service in patrolling the EEZ.

At any one time the Naval Service can have a number of ships on active operations around the Irish EEZ whilst a number of others are undergoing routine resupply, maintenance and down time for ships companies.

The White Paper on Defence sets out an ambitious programme of capital investment in the Naval Service, including the mid-life refit and upgrade of the P50 class of vessels, and the replacement of the flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi-role vessel (MRV). The MRV is an important element of the Defence Equipment Development Plan and is provided for in the Government's National Development Plan as a major capital project. It is the Government’s intention that this new vessel will provide a flexible and adaptive capability for a wide range of maritime tasks.

The White Paper on Defence also provides for the replacement of the CASA 235s with consideration to be given to their replacement with larger more capable aircraft. A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft was entered into with Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019, with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023.

With regard to security and surveillance matters within Irish territorial waters, primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State rests with An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice. One of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is to provide Aid to the Civil Power which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Siochána when requested to do so. This assistance can include direct support from the Naval Service.

The Commission on the Defence Forces recently published their report on the 9th February 2022. The Commission have undertaken a significant body of work encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. The report contains 69 main recommendations and together with sub recommendations, there are 130 recommendations. The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service.

It is anticipated that this process will take at least four to five months in order to bring a considered and comprehensive proposal back to Government to address the fundamental issues that the Commission have set out.

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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106. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the involvement the Defence Forces will have in assisting with the settlement of refugees arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13362/22]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is continuing to provide strong political and practical support for Ukraine and we continue to assert Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Government has stated that Ireland will play its part in assisting people from the Ukraine and has already lifted visa requirements to allow people from the Ukraine who want to seek safety here in Ireland to do so as easily as possible.

The European Union has agreed a package of €500 million in military assistance for Ukraine. While Ireland has constructively abstained on the lethal equipment package, we are paying our full share (approx €10 million) and our funding will go to non-lethal elements.

The Taoiseach confirmed over the weekend that the Government will provide a further €10 million in humanitarian aid, adding to the €10 million announced on the first day of the invasion.

While the Defence Forces are not a primary response agency for non-security related emergencies, they do provide the fullest possible assistance within means and capabilities to the Lead Department or Principal Response Agency in the event of an emergency situation in its Aid to Civil Authority role. In relation to the settlement of refugees, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is the lead Department and they are engaging with my Department and the Defence Forces on land use and temporary shelter options.

Also, logistical support that could be provided by the Defence Forces to the lead Department is currently being explored.

The Defence Forces as always stand ready to provide whatever assistance is possible within their capacity and capability.

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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107. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if it is envisaged that the Defence Forces would participate in peacekeeping measures should the need arise on the European continent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13363/22]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations. This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

The statutory authority for the despatch of contingents of the Permanent Defence Force for service overseas is set out in Section 2 of the Defence (Amendment) (No.2) Act, 1960 as amended by the Defence (Amendment) Act, 2006. In this regard, the conditions, which have been referred to as the “triple lock”, must be satisfied - i.e.

- the operation must be authorised/mandated by the United Nations;

- it must be approved by the Government; and

- it must be approved by way of a resolution of Dáil Éireann, where the size of a Defence Forces contribution is more than twelve personnel.

The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces constantly review the deployment of Irish personnel overseas. Any decision with regard to future deployments of Defence Forces personnel would have to be considered by reference to a number of other considerations, including the resourcing of the mission and the level of existing commitments to other peacekeeping operations and security requirements at home.

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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108. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the works that were carried out to upgrade and improve Defence Forces buildings in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13374/22]

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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109. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of the planned upgrades to be carried out to Defence Forces buildings in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13375/22]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 109 together.

Following the launch of the 5 year Built Infrastructure Programme for the Defence Forces in 2020, significant progress has been made in delivery on modernising the DF built environment. A number of significant projects were delivered/completed during 2021 including:

- Construction of 2 new gymnasia at Sarsfields Barracks, Limerick and at Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny combined cost of €6.2 million;

- Provision of a new Electric Target Range DFTC €2.1 million;

- NDA Range at Gormanstown €0.39m;

- Personnel Support Services Resource Centre, Camp Field, Collins Barracks, Cork €0.36m;

- Replacement of standby generators at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel €0.2m.

Other significant projects well advanced on site in 2021 included Block 8 accommodation (€4 million), refurbishment of Block H McKee (€6.4 million) and the remediation of Spencer Jetty (€3.1 million).

Building on the significant progress achieved in 2021, the capital allocation for 2022 is in the region of €35m. In addition, a further €10m is being provided to the Defence Forces for the purposes of maintenance of current stock.

This year’s allocation will enable the progression of the following Capital Projects to commence on site:

- Engineering Stores, Defence Forces Training Centre, €0.7 million;

- Cadet School HQ, Defence Forces Training Centre, €4.1 million;

- Upgrade to Barracks HQ, McKee Barracks, €1 million;

- Upgrade of Former USAC Block, Renmore, €10 million;

- Relocation of Printing Press, McKee Barracks, €1.9 million;

- Refurbishment of Block F, McKee Barracks, €8.3 million.

In addition the following major projects will be further progressed towards main contractor appointment with a view to onsite commencement in 2023 :

- Dredging, Haulbowline Naval Basin, €1.2 million;

- Refurbishment of Former Chief of Staff’s House, McKee Barracks, €2.2 million;

- Refurbishment of Block 9, Haulbowline, €5.5 million;

- CIS Workshop Facility, Defence Forces Training Centre, €7.3 million;

- ARW HQ, Defence Forces Training Centre, €4.4 million.

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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110. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures in place to ensure the health and well-being, particularly mental health, of Defence Forces personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13376/22]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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A wide range of medical services are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force. These include an annual medical examination, sick parades, attendance at GP surgery outside of sick parade and out-of-hours GP services, prescription services, laboratory services, physiotherapy, chiropody, radiology, ophthalmic examinations, in-patient and outpatient public hospital charges, routine dental treatment and the provision of overseas medical services, including global comprehensive medical insurance in the case of Defence Forces personnel (including dependents) assigned to longer term overseas administrative posts.

Commissioned Officers and members of the Army Nursing Service may also avail of private consultant appointments and diagnostic tests, and private/semi-private hospital treatment dependent on rank. The Programme for Government contains a committment to "ensure that all enlisted members of the Defence Forces have the same access to health care as officers currently do". A Working Group has been established with a view to bringing forward proposals on this matter.

Medical mental health services available to personnel include access to clinical psychology and psychiatry services. The psychology service assesses, diagnoses, treats and advises on strategies to prevent mental health disorders, and there are currently two Clinical Psychologists employed by the Defence Forces. Psychiatry services specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. There is currently one dedicated civilian consultant psychiatrist engaged by the Defence Forces.

In addition to these clinical supports, non-medical mental health services are provided by the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service (PSS). The PSS provides a welfare, information, psycho-social support and referral service to serving members of the Defence Forces and their families. The service is also available to civilian employees, and in a limited role to veterans. This service sustains and enhances the individual well-being of personnel, and promotes a safe and positive work culture, in order to support the effectiveness of the Defence Forces.

The service is delivered through a network of military Barrack PSS Officers and civilian Occupational Social Workers. This network of professionals is prepared to provide immediate help to service personnel and their families in a routine environment or at a time of crisis. This assistance can range from the simple provision of information to counselling or, if required, signposting and referral to specialist help and assistance.

The Defence Forces, through the PSS and working closely with the HSE, has and continues to engage in mental health education programmes for all members of the Defence Forces. These programmes include:

- Issuing an "Information Guide on Mental Health and Well Being in the Defence Forces";

- Providing access to "Mental Fitness" programmes through the Defence Forces Intranet;

- Providing Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) training to all PSS personnel;

- Conducting Skills Training on Risk Management in suicide and self-harm mitigation (STORM) training with all overseas units;

- Conducting Safe Talk training throughout the Defence Forces;

- Providing Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training for all personnel;

- Issuing and giving presentations on "Defence Forces Guidelines on Suicide";

- Running courses on "Suicide and Self Harm Awareness"; and

- Providing Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) in conjunction with the HSE.

The Mental Health Wellbeing Strategy for the Defence Forces, which was launched on 2 December 2020, recognises the unique nature of the experience of military life in Ireland. The aim of the strategy is to provide a coordinated and effective mental health and support system for the personnel of the Defence Forces through the adoption of a series of measures between 2020 and 2023.

Eight supporting objectives (Governance, Resilience, Suicide, Stigma, Critical Incident Stress Management, a Comprehensive Approach, Military Families and a Model for Clinical Support) have been identified as essential components of the strategy to support the principal aim. It is intended that at the end of 2023, mental health and wellbeing support within the Defence Forces will be delivered in a coordinated, multi-disciplinary and directed manner that is designed to produce the best outcomes for the organisation and the military personnel and their families.

On 2nd November 2020, the Deputy Chief Of Staff (Support) issued an order for the convening of the Defence Forces Mental Health and Wellbeing Standing Committee which has responsibility for the implementation of the strategy. The Committee is chaired by the Officer In Charge of the Defence Forces Personnel Support Services and includes representatives of all subject matter experts in the area of mental health and wellbeing within the Defence Forces.

The Standing Committee has selected 15 milestones from the strategy for consideration. Each milestone has been allocated to a working group consisting of selected members of the Standing Committee and other key personnel and subject matter experts as required. Work plans have been created and the Working Groups report monthly to a full meeting of the Standing Committee. At these meetings progress achieved is assessed and guidance offered to counter obstacles or to provide direction for action.

Currently half of the milestones identified within the strategy are being addressed and it is expected that working groups will be stood up to address the remaining milestones during 2022. Some of the key milestones address issues regarding the support of families. The Standing Committee will produce a report at the end of 2023 and will be in a position to develop a follow on Mental Health Strategy for 2024-2029, which will look to build on the progress achieved and ensure the effective delivery of mental health and wellbeing within the Defence Forces to the end of the decade.

In addition, my Department funds a confidential counselling, referral and support service for serving members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and Civil Defence volunteers. The service provides confidential counselling on a wide range of personal and work related issues, including but not limited to health, relationships, addictions, financial, bereavement, stress, conflict, critical incident and trauma. A Freephone confidential helpline is available on a 24/7 basis 365 days a year. The helpline provides for referral to appointment-based telephone or face-to-face counselling.

While I am satisfied that the available services offer comprehensive supports to Defence Forces members, I can assure the Deputy that they are kept under constant review.

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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111. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department will consider the recommendations set out in the Commission on the Defence Forces Report published in February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13377/22]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government and the Government decision in December 2020 which also agreed its terms of reference and membership.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was recently published. The Commission have undertaken a significant body of work encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. The report contains 69 main recommendations and together with sub recommendations, there are 130 recommendations. The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service.

The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations and there is a process underway to consider these recommendations in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and other stakeholders. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess.

It would be inappropriate for me to engage in speculative discussion regarding the recommendations in the Commission’s report or the outcome of an ongoing deliberative process, prior to completion of that process and Government consideration of any proposed plan of action.

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